Sting of 44-7 loss to Vikings remains bad memory for Giants

AP PhotoEli Manning and the Giants struggled against the Vikings last season.

The Giants' 44-7 loss to the Vikings in last season's finale remains a point of conversation this week for more than simply the embarrassment of the loss.

Some Giants believe the Vikings inflated the score, even though Minnesota did not score in the fourth quarter and relieved quarterback Brett Favre.

"They did -- they scored 40-something points," defensive end Osi Umenyiora said. "Obviously, they had to have run up the score if they did that. They are there to play a game, they're there to run and execute their offense, and as a defense we were supposed to stop them and we didn't. It seemed like we couldn't, and they just continued to take advantage of that, which is the way the game goes."

Giants defenders prepare for Vikings attackFor some players, 2009's 44-7 loss is still fresh in their minds. The team prepares this week to stop star Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. They also must get ready to face two very different Minnesota quarterbacks. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)

Umenyiora took a level-headed approach. He said it was the Giants' fault -- not the Vikings' fault -- and that he'd try to "score 100" if he was the offense. But the scoring was a point of discussion.

Will Blackmon, who was with the Packers last season, asked reporters this week if it's true the Vikings played four-receiver sets even though the Giants' cornerbacks were injured. It would seem a smart football strategy, but it still stings enough that Blackmon heard about it.

"They kind of took advantage of us when we were low on numbers," cornerback Terrell Thomas said. "Kind of just beat us into the ground. Think nothing about it, but the NFL is all about respect. We'll remember that. We don't care for it. But in the back of our mind we're going to take that up there."

For the record, the Vikings had 44 points through three quarters and did not score in the fourth. They passed the ball twice in the final quarter and removed Favre and Adrian Peterson from the game.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin talks injuriesWith the injury bug striking the team hard at times this season, the Giants will look forward to having several key players back for their game against Minnesota. Head Coach Tom Coughlin talks about injuries to Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith and Ahmad Bradshaw - who missed practice on Wednesday. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)

Previewing the Giants Week 14 game against MinnesotaComing off back-to-back wins, the Giants are getting much needed help in the returns of several key players who have missed time due to injuries. Star-Ledger reporters Mike Garafolo and Zach Berman break down who will be playing on Sunday and the keys to a Giant victory. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)